Got a $150 Fine

[raptorbite]

I have been shore fishing on the Lake Sammamish Creek inlet maybe twice before this week and yesterday went there in the morning. Haven't been fishing or anything for maybe 7-8 years.

Didn't intend to get a license since I just started again. Some Wildlife officer came along and asked for my ID. Wrote a fine for $150, saying that the Salmon is supposed to come up the creek so I was not supposed to fish within 100 yards from the creek.

How was I supposed to know about the Salmon swimming? Or what time of the year they do that. He also said that it is a criminal offense for not having a Fishing License. Why is it a criminal offense.

He also wrote the same fine to an older guy who just had a liver transplant who was there too. Isn't this a little excessive?

I went to the local Big 5 and got a fishing license and it only covers up to March 31st. Also got a Discover Pass. It cost me over $210 that whole day. Can I do anything about this, or get the fine reduced somehow?

[Amx]

regulations, regulations, regulations. the regs are there for a reason.

get a regs pamphlet and read the whole thing.

[primetime]

Sucks getting a ticket but your asking for it if you are fishing without a license. And anymore you have to read the regs when fishing new water or water you haven't fished in awhile. You probably got a ticket because people must be poaching.

[hlindsay]

sounds like you got off cheep.

[hewesbob]

What in the world would make you think that just because you hadn't fished in 7-8 years that you didn't need a license?And any body that reads this web site knows the movement of salmon.If you wanted to just go out for the day and give it a try a one day fishing license is $11.35 and a one day Discover Pass is $11.50, and if the "older guy" was over 70 then his license may have been free. If you want to enjoy the great sport of fishing then MAN UP and pay your fair share just like the rest of do.

[fishinChristian]

Not going to get much sympathy on this site for reg breaking. I can identify with the rule change thing though. When they really started variable regs, it was hard. No internet, and sometimes they'd change 'em at seemingly random. Look up anywhere you go, because they have different rules for just about every body of water. This site and the game dept site are great, and have the regs available. Check the updated special regs when you do. As for no license, if you really didn't know better (?!), you do now.

[HOOKEDONFISHING]

You knew you needed a license and you went out fishing anyways then You get caught and ticketed for it. Why do you think this is excessive ? We all pay for licenses and follow the rules. Why should you be the exception?

[The Quadfather]

.

[Amx]

Eating 40 perch without paying to catch them is kinda like shopping at a store for a steak, and not paying for it before eating it. Then having to go to court and get fined for not paying for the steak. Plus the court costs, cost of the steak, and being banned from that store. Maybe be even get thrown in jail for 30 to 90 days. It's possible to be ordered to not be able to buy a license for a couple years, loss of fishing rod and equipment, even loss of your vehicle that you used to get to the river/lake/Sound/ocean shore. Certainly not worth taking a chance.

[Amx]

And if those 40 perch were caught only for the fun and none were kept, then that would be like using a call girl and not paying her for the fun.

[natetreat]

Don't feed the trolls guys.

[bob johansen]

What in the world would make you think that just because you hadn't fished in 7-8 years that you didn't need a license?And any body that reads this web site knows the movement of salmon.If you wanted to just go out for the day and give it a try a one day fishing license is $11.35 and a one day Discover Pass is $11.50, and if the "older guy" was over 70 then his license may have been free. If you want to enjoy the great sport of fishing then MAN UP and pay your fair share just like the rest of do.

Old guys don't get free fishing licenses in this state - I know one old guy who is 85 and he still pays plenty for a fishing license.

[BARCHASER10]

When I turned 70, my fresh and salt license went down from almost 70 bucks to 25 with the endorsements. I felt pretty good about that until I talked to one of my Oregon pals who is also 70 and he pays zero!

[Mike Carey]

What in the world would make you think that just because you hadn't fished in 7-8 years that you didn't need a license?And any body that reads this web site knows the movement of salmon.If you wanted to just go out for the day and give it a try a one day fishing license is $11.35 and a one day Discover Pass is $11.50, and if the "older guy" was over 70 then his license may have been free. If you want to enjoy the great sport of fishing then MAN UP and pay your fair share just like the rest of do.

Old guys don't get free fishing licenses in this state - I know one old guy who is 85 and he still pays plenty for a fishing license.

You should be given a lifetime free fishing pass Bob.
I'm agreeing with Nate on this thread...

[AJ's Dad]

Don't feed the trolls guys.

Exactly right.
This guy opened an account on Sept 5 and made this post trying to get everyone all hot and bothered, just so he could watch everyone blow up on him. Frankly I'm surprised he hasn't been more slammed with responses than he has.
If this is a real situation then I say good job to the game agent for doing his job. Liver transplant or not both guys should have had a license.
This guy is looking for reactions and he's getting them. He is more than likely dissapointed that there aren't more of them and they aren't more harsh. Why else would someone come on a wensite full of law abiding fisher people and brag about fishing without a license??????

My 2 cents worth

[jd39]

Thought it was a troll when I first read it to, and if I can pick up on it, it's not a very good troll.

[strider43]

whats a troll? a jack@$$ who thinks he is above the law?

[Gringo Pescador]

whats a troll? a jack@$$ who thinks he is above the law?

Someone with nothing better to do than try to rile up the forum by posting something they know (or think they know) will get people to argue endlessly.

[strider43]

whats a troll? a jack@$$ who thinks he is above the law?

Someone with nothing better to do than try to rile up the forum by posting something they know (or think they know) will get people to argue endlessly.

OK, thanks Gringo!

[BassDood]

Ditto what Mike said. Bob should be given a lifetime pass. This man is a wealth of knowledge and if anyone ever has the chance and privilege to fish with him, you will always remember it.